Printer Lid Mechanism with Removable Open Lever for Jammed Paper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers for shop registers and ATMs face challenges in cost reduction and component minimization, particularly with the use of springs for lid operation and paper cutting mechanisms where stuck paper prevents lid opening.
Innovation Solution
The design eliminates the need for a spring to open the lid by using a motor-driven open lever that operates a lock lever to detach the platen roller, allowing the lid to pivot open, and incorporates a removable open lever for easy access to the lock lever when paper is stuck, enabling the lid to be opened even when paper is jammed between blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring is provided to urge the lid open for smooth operation, then the lid can be opened easily, but the printer cost increases and the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring component from the lid opening mechanism. Instead of using a spring to urge the lid open, the design relies on the motor-driven open lever and lock lever mechanism to achieve lid opening without requiring elastic urging components, thereby reducing part count and cost while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid opening mechanism is designed to be self-sufficient without external spring assistance. The motor-driven open lever system inherently provides the necessary force and motion to open the lid through its mechanical advantage and engagement with the lock lever, eliminating the need for separate elastic urging components.
2Productivity
If the movable blade slides toward the fixed blade to cut recording paper, then cutting is achieved, but the recording paper may stick between the blades and prevent the movable blade from returning to its original state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the open lever as an intermediary component that couples the motor's rotational motion to the linear motion of the movable blade and the lid opening action. This intermediary mechanism ensures coordinated movement and provides a mechanical advantage that helps overcome friction and paper adhesion forces, enabling reliable blade retraction even when paper is stuck.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting mechanism employs dynamic, motor-driven actuation rather than static or spring-based return mechanisms. The motor can dynamically adjust its torque and speed to overcome varying resistance forces during blade retraction, including high friction forces when paper is stuck between the blades, ensuring reliable return to the original state.
3Reliability
If the movable blade is immobilized due to stuck recording paper, then cutting is prevented, but the lid cannot be opened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lid opening function with the blade retraction function into a single integrated mechanism. The open lever simultaneously drives the movable blade to retract and the lid to open, ensuring that even when paper is stuck and blade retraction is impeded, the lid can still be opened through the same motor-driven mechanism, maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The open lever serves multiple functions: it drives the movable blade retraction, opens the lid, and provides mechanical advantage to overcome high resistance forces. This multi-functional design ensures that the system can perform lid opening even when the cutting function is compromised due to paper adhesion, enhancing overall system robustness.
Data Source
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AI summary
A printer includes a printer body, a lid, a lock, a lock lever, and an open lever. The lid is attached to the printer body to be opened and closed. The lock locks a platen roller attached to one of the printer body and the lid. The lock lever unlocks the locked platen roller. The open lever is so provided on the lid as to slide. The open lever slides to press the lock lever to open the lid.